Blog 4

As far as the correlation and conversation with the New Negro
concept for my thesis paper I discussed Langston Hughes. Many black writers considered Langston Hughes’ works on Black Pride as out of date. It was at this time period that the idea of racial integration became popular. Some other critics of Hughes went as far as considering him a racial chauvinist.
Nevertheless, Hughes showed courage in facing racial and class oppression. He continued to impress his younger generation of black writers. One of the young black writers had this to say about Hughes, “Langston set a tone, a standard of brotherhood and friendship and cooperation, for all of us to follow.” The “New Negro” needed high self-esteem. Langston Hughes taught and practiced psychology of mental health. By this, Hughes reversed the negative self-worth of poor blacks in the United States. Blacks were taught to be happy about their dark skin color. They were taught also to ignore the prejudices that make them inferior to whites. Hughes stressed the
need for the Negro artist to accept himself/herself as a beautiful human being.


This was his advice for the “New Negro”, “If colored people are pleased we are glad. If they are not, their displeasure does not matter either. We build our temples for tomorrow.” Black people have suffered discrimination because of the color of their skin since slavery. Langston
Hughes was determined to make blacks understand that there was nothing wrong with their skin color. That was the beginning of the psychological wellbeing of blacks as a whole. Thanks to Hughes’ prescription. The “New Negro” also benefited from Charles S. Johnson, a sociologist
and an educator, whose teaching of “Cyclical Theory” taught Blacks that contact and interaction between people of different races would improve their chances of success. Cyclical theory has a premise that “contact and interaction between different racial groups was requisite to breaking
the barriers of segregation and discrimination.”

Blog 3

                                     

     The NEW NEGRO term has a broad reference to the period in history at the time of the post reconstruction. During the Harlem Renaissance, Blacks embarked on a movement that involved a more outspoken advocacy of dignity and refusal to submit to racial segregation laws. The term NEW NEGRO was coined by Blacks after the Civil War to redefine who they are and to give meaning and purpose to their lives. Locke called for a racial awakening on a national and world scale. On the other hand, Baldwin identified a different model of urban culture rich with politics, ingenuity and entrepreneurship.

          Locke’s view of old Negro transformation was that of a race of cultural bearers. More importantly, the NEW NEGRO  was to destroy all racial, social, and psychological road blocks in his path. The obstacles that stood in the way of achievement to Black progress needed to be surmounted and defeated by educated and entrepreneurial black race. This movement entailed that black artists and intellectuals strive for a nation of self sufficiency. Locke instilled in the NEW NEGRO, a sense of political and social interests to fight racial discrimination directed against blacks. Like Baldwin, Locke encouraged entrepreneurship as a way to become self sufficient. Both of them had similar aspirations for the NEW NEGRO concept but differed in their approaches with Baldwin leaning towards urban culture.

     There is a consensus from both Harlem and Chicago scholars that Harlem is a place of ideas and art. On the contrary, Chicago is seen as the site of enterprise thereby providing an entrepreneurial spirit to the NEW NEGRO. The term NEW NEGRO in American history and culture represents the literary, the visual artists and intellectuals of the Harlem Renaissance. The NEW NEGRO  personality and culture embrace a wide range of intellectual prowess that would ultimately dismantle all forms of stereotypes directed towards blacks. Locke and Baldwin worked hard to stimulate the mind of the NEW NEGRO.

Blog 2

     I selected the poem Jazzonia which is in the new Negro book  into correlation with The Warmth of Other Suns. The Poem basically tells us something about life in a Harlem cabaret (a nightclub) where blacks entertain themselves. The new Negro has a unique musical attribute. His music has rhythm and romance that touches his soul as he sings to a jazz dancing girl. He is seen is a new light which changes the perception of himself. He is able to perceive and appreciate the beauty of a black girl-“Eve’s eyes and gorgeous Cleopatra in a gown of gold. It adds something different to that characterization of what the New Negro is and this means a change in the sound of modern poetry.

    As far as the Warmth of Other Suns it emphasizes people who are looking for a better lifestyle as well as the adjustments that are forced on them. George for the most part is heartbreaking; a man who potentially could have done more things with his life, but it was evident that he wasn’t allowed opportunities unfortunately. He wanted to organize labor to request for better wages. Therefore, he went to New York an became a baggage handler, but was never able to use his brain and some college education to get a better job. With everything to consider, this following question can be asked and answered which is “Why do Black Americans control so little of the country's wealth today?" It is obvious and noted that black people are suffering based on the prejudices all over the country. It is also evident that various misperceptions regarding migration are cleared up. There was cotton picking that moved people from the South which known as a caste system which there was no escape at all.

Blog # 1

    My first black studies class began when I took Black Studies 6 and 126. They were both great courses for their own reasons and the topics which were articulated in them. I really enjoyed Black Studies 126 because of the informative, and interesting information regarding Diaspora for example. Learning to understand the meaning of the word one must first understand how blacks came to America. Indulging and enjoying in that course made me broaden my perspective in the black studies major. This university provides a great Black Studies program and viable options as far as classes. I really lucked out in taking some of these courses and enhancing my knowledge in the topics which were presented.

     Another course I liked was Black Studies 169 with Professor Johnson. Learning more and focusing on Jim Crow’s laws which created a hostile political and social environment for black people was very interesting. Another course which I enjoyed and would recommend is Black Studies 3. My experience in this class has tremendously improved my perception of Africa in a whole different light. The interviews, films and the writings extensively educated me in African history, ideology, and media image. All these different aspects of viewing the continent validated each other. Africa’s historical past and ideology of its populace dates as far back to its colonization by the Western world. Africa was, and even today, considered a big treasure continent. Like a “treasure island,” it created an insatiable appetite for the western world. Event hough, I learned about numerous problems in Africa, I also found out that the solutions

are emerging. In conclusion, I am glad to have majored in Black Studies here at UCSB and hope to broaden my knowledge so I could benefit from it when I progress in my academic career as well as future.